Overview
Italy's most exciting wine discovery of the 21st century. Ancient Nerello Mascalese vines on black volcanic ash at 400–1,000m altitude produce wines of Burgundian delicacy and site-specific mineral complexity. Each contrada (village) on Etna's slopes expresses volcanic terroir differently. The whites (Carricante) are saline, mineral and age magnificently.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium ruby
- Nose
- Red cherry, Pomegranate, Blood orange, Volcanic smoke and Iron.
- Palate
- Italy's Burgundy — volcanic minerality, ancient Nerello, electric acidity. Generally medium-bodied, electric acidity, medium tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Medium3/5
Acidity Electric5/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Nerello MascaleseNerello CappuccioCarricanteCatarratto
Aromas And Notes
Red cherryPomegranateBlood orangeRaspberryVolcanic smokeIronHerbsVioletTruffleLeatherForest floor
Terroir
Volcanic Mediterranean — altitude creates dramatic diurnal range. Vines grow in ancient black lava flows.
Volcanic basaltVolcanic ashAncient lava flows
Food Pairings
Pasta alla normaGrilled tunaBlack pig sausageAged Ragusano cheese
Notable Producers
- Benanti, founded 1988 - Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa
- Cornelissen, founded 2001 - Magma Rosso
- Passopisciaro, founded 2000 - Franchetti